I took my test on 6/5/15 and passed on the first try with 84%. My story is probably not typical. I received my MSW in NY State in 1987. At that time, if you passed the state exam right out of grad school, you immediately received a LCSW. I worked in the field for about 6 years, left the field, ran a restaurant with my husband for years, raised my children, and let my license lapse. When I decided to reenter the field in 2011, I learned that I would only get a LMSW certification until I passed the ASWB exam. I went back and forth about taking the exam so many times it was unreal; I would stop studying for months only to pick the study material back up. I finally decided just to study and take it and let whatever happens, happens.
I used both LEAP and TDC, but I used TDC far more as Leap does present you with an overwhelming amount of material that is unrealistic and unnecessary to learn. They were quite dismissive when it came to contacting them to clarify some questions; they obviously got their money and that’s all they wanted.
I had the opposite experience with TDC. They present you with a reasonable amount of information to learn. They also really do help you to understand what the questions are after and figure out why their answers are correct. I also have to say when they say they are with you till you pass they really mean it. I used their job coach services (for no extra charge) more times than I can count. I’m not sure how many coaches they have, but I always spoke with/texted Bethany. Her knowledge and patience with answering all of my questions was beyond what I could’ve hoped for. I felt very prepared when I took the test.